Portege R200

Hi, I apologize to bring back this topic but I hope some of you can give me some advice.

I did some research online prior to making this posting and at the end, no one seems to be able to tell me whether the R200 can be upgraded to 2GB RAM.

I am currently stuck at 256 + 512 and I really want to have it upgraded. So my question is:

1. If I get a 1G DDR2 Ram, does it have to be 400 or 533Mhz? Would 667 and 800Mhz work?

2. I see that most 2G DDR2 Ram are 800Mhz, does it work in R200? If not, if I get a 667 2GB, does it work as well?

Thanks!

 

Some specs of my R200:

Model: R200-01G02Y
Processor: Pentium M773 1.3GHz
Memory: 512MB (256+256) DDR2 SDRAM (max. 2048 MB)*****
HD: 60GB
Graphics: Mobile Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset Family


*****On the AD a few years ago when I bought this machine (I still keep it), it is listed that memory can be upgraded to max. 2048 MB. But I remember a technician told me a few years ago that the AD is incorrect...

 

No, it cannot be upgraded to 2GB, only 1GB to equate to a total 1.25GB including the 256MB already on the board.

 

FYI, Sony had advertised a maximum of 1.5GB for the G11 but it worked with a 2GB module. However, that notebook has the new Intel 945GMS chipset and the older 915 chipset may be less tolerant of larger modules.

Regarding the RAM specification, most modules support three different speeds. This is codes in what is called the SPD data. For example, the RAM in my Toshiba R500 is DDR2-667 running at 533 MHz.

I have two DDR2-800 modules to hand and one has SPD data for 800, 667 and 533MHz while the other has data for 800, 667 and 400 MHz. I can't, however, give you the name of this module because it is unbranded. It is likely, however, that most, if not all, DDR-667 (PC-5300) modules will support 400MHz.

John

 

Very clear answer, thank you!

 

One extra question that I have is regarding upgrading my R200 to SSD.

I read in some previous post here that it is possible to upgrade the notebook to SSD. After some research, I still have some questions and I hope some of you can kindly answer:

1. It is my understanding that the largest possible size for R200 is 32GB, is that correct?

2. Any brand, model, specs that you guys can recommend (Mtron)?

3. Is it worth to do the upgrade now rather than wait for another few months to see if the price will drop (32GB SSD EIDE is about USD280)?

4. I read that most of the user install SSD only for booting up the computer, they tend to maintain the existing HD, is that the case?

5. If I want to maintain the existing HD, where does the SSD be installed? The PCMIA slot?

6. If I no longer want my HD, do I install the SSD in the HD slot?

Thank you again!

 

See this thread regarding the Dell Latitude X1 (rebadged Samsung Q30). It is from a similar era so the upgrade options may be relevant.

Probably the only way you can use an SSD as a boot drive is to install it in the HDD slot. What is the current HDD? Device Manager will give you a model number and you can then Google for the details. If your storage requirements are modest than 32GB may be enough for Windows, programs and data. Otherwise you can look for some storage that fits in the PCMCIA slot to hold some of your less frequently accessed data.

John